Translation guide
Refers to a key scripture in Esoteric Buddhism (Shingon and Tendai), known in Japanese as 大日経 (Dainichikyō). The term is a proper noun and is used in religious, academic, or cultural contexts.
Referring to the Mahavairocana Sutra as a text in Esoteric Buddhism.
The standard Japanese name for the Mahavairocana Sutra. Used in both spoken and written contexts.
大日経は密教の根本経典です。
The Mahavairocana Sutra is a fundamental scripture of Esoteric Buddhism.
The full formal title of the sutra in Japanese. Rarely used outside academic or highly formal religious contexts.
大毘盧遮那成仏神変加持経は、善無畏によって漢訳されました。
The Mahavairocana Sutra (full title: Daibirushana Jōbutsu Jinpen Kaji Kyō) was translated into Chinese by Śubhakarasiṃha.
Referring to Mahavairocana (Dainichi Nyorai) as the central deity, not the text itself. This is a common point of confusion for learners.
The Japanese name for the Buddha Mahavairocana. Use this when talking about the deity, not the sutra.
大日如来は密教の中心的な仏です。
Mahavairocana (Dainichi Nyorai) is the central Buddha of Esoteric Buddhism.
An alternative name for Mahavairocana Buddha, sometimes seen in older texts.
In English, 'Mahavairocana' can refer to either the sutra or the Buddha. In Japanese, they are distinct: 大日経 (Dainichikyō) is the sutra, and 大日如来 (Dainichi Nyorai) is the Buddha. Using the wrong term can cause confusion in religious or academic settings.
毘盧遮那仏は華厳経にも登場します。
Vairocana Buddha also appears in the Avatamsaka Sutra.